Join the Herald at this year's Stratford Business Show
The show is also a good place to pick up advice and inspiration and will feature four seminars from business experts throughout the day.
Jonathan Smith, who organises the show on behalf of the Stratford Business Forum, said: “The business show started in 2009 right in the middle of the financial crash and we wanted to do something positive when everyone was down in the dumps. We had 40 stalls at that first show and today it’s grown to 100 exhibitors which is great.
“I really enjoy the show every year, I don’t even have a stall myself I just like walking around and talking to the businesses and helping to put people together.
“We’re expecting around 450 people this time around and there are some great exhibitors coming, The college has a stand serving food and we’ve got some unusual businesses such as a close up magician who will be doing tricks.
“Supporting local charities is also a key part of what we do and there will be a number of stalls representing good causes.”
One such good cause is Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity run by Rachel Ollerenshaw which provides emotional and financial support to children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses in the Midlands.
Rachel said: “I did the business show last year because it’s great for raising awareness of what we do and it’s all about connecting people. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people.”
For others the business show presents the chance to announce their business to Stratford.
One such business is Quantock Clothing started by Grev Lushington last year, which manufactures high quality clothing in England.
Grev said: “We’re about to launch a new women’s range so it’s an exciting time for the company. We export clothes as far away as Hong Kong and I think it’s good news that a British company is having success abroad as well.”
One of the most unusual businesses at the show is Shakespuss, a company founded by Melissa Mailer-Yates which aims to encourage children to engage with Shakespeare through animal characters and child friendly tales.
Melissa has high hopes for the company and is in the process of creating a TV programme which she hopes will bring Shakespeare alive for youngsters across the globe.
Though the idea might shock some fans of the Bard, Melissa says she has had fantastic feedback on the idea since she started Shakespuss.
Melissa said: “I want to bring the plays alive for young children, I want children around the world to nag their parents to bring them to Stratford because it is the home of Shakespuss. The district council and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are right behind it. I came up with the idea of Shakespuss when I was reading to my own children.”
Stall holder Logical Computers are celebrating their 20 anniversary in the town this year and are enthusiastic about their first time at the show.
Pancho Gordham, director at Logical Computers, said: “We came because a lot of businesses use Mac computers and after three or four years they might not work as well as they used to and they cost a minimum of £1,000 to replace. We breathe new life into the machines by upgrading them meaning they can be used for a few more years. It’s our first time here and we’re really looking forward to it and we’ll have some of our equipment and hardware on display too so people can come and have a look.”
